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December 30, 2008

Third generation of Abdullah family to rule Kashmir

As Omar Abdullah readies to take over the coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir, it will be the third generation of the illustrious political family to rule the state after Sheikh Abdullah and Farooq.

Omar will be Chief Minister of National Conference-Congress government. The grandfather of Omar, Sheikh Abdullah was the first head of state after Kashmir's accession to India.

Sheikh Abdullah, who was called Sher-e-Kashmir or the Lion of Kashmir, had spent 11 years in prison when he fell out with the then Prime Minister JL Nehru. Later he again became Chief Minister of Kashmir.

After his demise, his son, Farooq Abdullah became the Chief Minister in 1982. He had a playboy image but remained a staunch pro-Indian leader. Despite his weaknesses, Farooq remained an important player in the politics of Kashmir and the country.

Now Omar is taking over the reigns. Congress president Sonia Gandhi earlier gave her nod to the coalition. In the last Assembly Congress was a partner of PDP. But with NC coming close to Congress, it will be a new era in Kashmir.